Stevani Wijaya, Antara, Jayapura – Tension escalated dramatically as a sizable crowd clashed with security officials at Jayapura's airport when the casket carrying the late former Papua Governor, Lukas Enembe, arrived on Thursday.

Lukas passed away in a Jakarta hospital on Tuesday due to acute kidney failure. Earlier this year, he had been convicted of corruption and sentenced to eight years in prison.

However, he remained a revered figure among his supporters who gathered at the airport and along the city's roads.

Mourners insisted on personally bearing the coffin, initiating a march towards the city center for a vigil before the funeral. During this procession, clashes erupted with security forces. Stones were hurled at officials and buildings, and a vehicle was set ablaze.

Lukas' family initially planned a motorcade but they ultimately yielded to the crowd's demand.

"The situation exceeded our capacity to control," said Yohanes Walilo, head of the Papua Provincial Development Planning Agency.

He appealed to the mourners, urging them to uphold order and pay respect to the deceased.

"As Papuans, we deeply value our local customs and traditions, and it's crucial to act with utmost respect in times of mourning like this," he said.

Jayapura Police Chief, Victor Mackbon, reported deploying 1,500 personnel to ensure order during the funeral in Muara Tami district.

"We are committed to securing the area to ensure a peaceful and dignified funeral procession," Victor said.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/clash-erupts-as-lukas-enembes-body-arrives-in-jayapur